25 [54] We were of the view that, given the nature and the importance of the customary law issue raised in the appeal and the constitutional implications thereof, it was appropriate that relevant state institutions, organizations and/or experts on the practice of ukuthwala in customary law be invited to apply to assist the court as amicus curiae on the specific issues of customary marriages and the practice of ukuthwala. To that end letters of invitation were sent under the hand of the presiding judge to a number of organizations who had an interest or expertise on the topic to apply in writing to participate in the proceedings as amici curiae and to present oral submissions with regard to such applications. [55] The appellant and the respondent were afforded the opportunity of responding to the applications. In response, the court was favoured with offers of assistance by the following institutions: 55.1 The National House of Traditional Leaders, a statutory body established in terms of the National House of Traditional Leaders Act No 22 of 2009, with its main objective being to represent and advance the aspirations of traditional leaders and their rural communities at a national level;1 1 Notice of application to be admitted as Amicus Curiae, affidavit by Inkosi Sipho Etwell Mahlangu, p 3 para 5.